By Francesca Hangeior
The nationwide protest, which aims to address various socio-economic grievances, has brought economic activities in Lagos State to a near standstill.
Traders in the state observed their weekly sanitation exercise which is held every Thursday and ends by 10 am.
In what coincided with the commencement of the protest, the usually bustling markets in the state remained shut after the exercise.
Our correspondent observed that major markets in Ikotun, Egbeda, Iyana Ipaja, Dopemu, and Akowonjo, Ayobo were all shut.
This was also a similar sight in the Ikeja and Agege and Ojota areas of the state.
A few traders were however seen loitering around the market areas, anticipating the turn of events.
A trader who identified himself simply as Emmanuel told our correspondent that the closure of the market was due to the protest.
He said, “We are going to open our shops but not yet. We are still observing how the protest will turn out.”
Another trader who craved anonymity said, “Many of us did not observe the sanitation exercise. All we are concerned is about the safety of our market.”
Banks and filling stations were also closed down in these areas as observed by our correspondent.
Some residents could also seen clustered around their communities, discussing the developments.
Meanwhile, heavy security presence has been sighted along these areas as they were seen manning strategic locations.
The protest tagged, “Days of Rage” would hold nationwide from August 1 to 10.
However, top government personalities, groups, and religious bodies, including the Christian Association of Nigeria, the Muslim Student Society of Nigeria (Lagos chapter), and the Muslim Rights Concern, have called for the protest to be shelved, citing a palpable fear that it might be hijacked by infiltrators who do not mean well for the country.